Ford's Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid: Advanced, Smooth, and Efficient

Ford continues to push the technology envelope in both its powerhorse Taurus SHO andFusion Hybrid. After driving hundreds of miles in each, it's clear these cars have vastly different design intents: one is clearly aimed at performance, and the other at efficiency. Surprisingly though, each manages impressive performance AND efficiency, at the same time incorporating a seamless driving experience, plus the added benefit of its SYNC media interface for phone calls, and music.

The Taurus uses a small ecoboost engine rather than a large V8, which historically would have been found in a Ford this size.But this engine is still capable of a developing a blistering 365hp on demand, and still maintained 26mpg highway throughout my drive.On the safety side, the Taurus aids drivers with "BLIS", a side oriented radar system which alerts when another car is in your blind spot. Even more extraordinary is an adaptive cruise control system that uses forward-facing radar to automatically hold an even following distance at variable speeds. If a car in front of me slammed on its brakes, the car automatically presented an audible/visual alert, and began braking itself.

The Fusion Hybrid was tamer than the Taurus, but provided equally smooth power delivery and offered a plethora of display options, showing exactly how the hybrid system is functioning and encouraging the operator to drive less aggressively. One display option "grows" leaves on screen as you curb your lead foot and learn to drive "greener" and more efficiently. With a bit of coaching, I was able to sustain 40mpg! The depiction of the battery recharging as you coast is also insightful!